Gas appliances and conversions

The conversion of a gas appliance requires a speclialised level of understanding.

The incorrect conversion of appliance, especially an open flued gas appliance, can lead to serious injury or death. Appliances shall only be converted if they are certified for use on the type of gas required and a manufacturer's conversion kit or procedure is available. It is imperative that when converting appliances, the manufacturer's conversion procedure is strictly applied and that the appliance is tested when complete.

The Gas-fitter may need to perform a number of tasks to convert the appliance, such as:

replace the main burner and/or injector

replace surface combustion tiles *

replace pilot burners and/or injectors **

replace gas valves

set air to gas ratios

fit regulators and install springs

set appliance operating pressures with a correct calibrated instrument

Combustion levels for open flued appliances

An open flued appliance does not have a dedicated flue and expels its combustion products directly into the surrounding air space.

A critical part in testing an appliance after conversion is carrying out a quantitative analysis of the combustion products. This may not be included as part of the conversion procedure; however, the gasfitter is responsible for ensuring combustion levels comply to the relevant Australian Standards.

Conversion or commissioning of an open flued appliance must only be performed if you can ensure combustion levels are with Australian Standards for that class of appliance.